The programme addresses the "what's", "why's" and "how's" of environmental design, at both the architectural and urban scales. It explores the relationship between environmental and formal design, and the effect of that developing relationship on the future of architectural theory and practice. It does this through two taught modules and a third, thesis, module. Each taught module is divided into two components, one of theory, and one of design practice.

'Architecture and the environment', examines environmentalism, architecture and environmental design, through lectures and seminars in the first half of the year, and a design studio at building scale during the second half of the year.

'Sustainable Cities', critically assesses the concept of 'the sustainable city', the current debates surrounding the dominant models of urban sustainability, their relationship to competing approaches to urban analysis and design, again through lectures and seminar in the first half of the year, and an urban design studio in the second half.

The third module, the thesis module, allows students to develop a subject of particular interest to them. This can be a written thesis, or one that is half-writing, half-design.

This programme forms part of a new and enriched Masters in Architecture programme within the School of Architecture and the Visual Arts, including MSc Computing & Design, MSc Material Matters, MA Interpretation & Theories and MA Alternative Urbanisms. The programme is organised in two generic taught modules followed by the Thesis module. The taught Modules comprise a series of distinctive component options designed for each specific award. Students are able to take two options across the practice based components, based on the individual student’s interest and ability.

The MA Architecture: Sustainability & Design is a critical examination of environmental sustainability and environmental design. This is both an old and new practice driven by both traditional and experimental ideas. Each year, the programme explores the theory and practice developing within the field, and students are welcomed as fellow innovators. Half the academic year is spent acquiring the technical and conceptual knowledge to be able to think and design in a new way. The other half is devoted to integrating the theory with the design process. This integration is achieved through design projects at the architectural and the urban scale, as the environmental loops continuously between both.

The programme is delivered by an environmental theorist and architects/urban designers, and supplemented by visiting experts. Within the European Union, architectural and urban practice is moving increasingly quickly towards energy efficiency and low environmental impact, and a good number of Sustainability & Design graduates go on to jobs with prominent UK firms specialising in new environmental practices.

The programme is located in the new School of Architecture and the Visual Arts in Docklands, the biggest redevelopment area in Europe. It takes advantage of the University’s London location with visits to architectural sites as well as lectures and visits linking with the culture of the city. Its teachers are abreast of current developments in the field and currently working on publications, conferences and other projects.

The programme welcomes applications from suitable candidates with an honours degree in architecture and/or RIBA Part 1 exemption, with a particular interest in pursuing theoretical studies in architectural and urban sustainability at an advanced level.

It welcomes applications from candidates with a first degree (honours) in interior or urban design, with a particular interest in pursuing theoretical studies in architectural and urban sustainability at an advanced level

Applications are welcomed from the EU and overseas, in particular, lecturers from Higher Education Institutions wishing to increase their qualifications.

This programme has also been designed to attract professionals from practice who are seeking to upgrade their qualifications, or who are looking for the opportunity to validate aspects of their professional remit, or to research and develop internationally relevant issues that they have encountered in professional practice.

Students whose first language is not English will have achieved a score of 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent. Eligibility for students without degree equivalent qualifications will be assessed on the basis of a short essay, statement and a portfolio. Places will be offered after a successful interview with a member of the programme team.

No student will be admitted without an interview, either in person or by telephone..

The MA is offered as a two year part-time programme (one day a week in the school), or a one year full-time programme (two days minimum a week in the school).

The programme is divided between lectures and seminars, and workshops and studio-based exercises. There are also building visits and field trips.

Presentations of work in progress in formal settings will provide opportunities for students to make measured judgements on the achievements and progression of both their own projects, and those of their peer group

Postgraduate programmes strictly adhere to the University regulations on assessment. All coursework for assessment is double marked; practical 3d work, seminar papers and presentations, - essay assignments are supervised and double marked.

The two taught programme modules are assessed through an essay/report per component (four components in all), and by the student’s contributions to seminar discussions and design exercises. The work culminates in the Masters Thesis, on a subject of the student’s choosing, within the wide parameters of the field.

A student must pass the two taught modules with a minimum overall average mark of 50% in order to begin the Thesis.

The MA in Sustainability provides a sound knowledge of the principles of environmentalism and environmental design, and a conceptual framework for assessing claims to sustainability within architecture and urban design. As more and more emphasis is put on the importance of environmental sustainability within architectural practice by governments and professional bodies, such knowledge and skills will be of increasing usefulness to the students in their professional lives.

The Thesis (10,000 – 12,000 words) is the culmination of the students' work on the programme. The topic is the choice of the student, in consultation with his or her tutor, and following group discussions on topics in the dissertation seminars.

Students will be able to

• focus their attention on an area of particular interest to them, in order to develop a specialised knowledge that can support them in their career
• become familiar with the procedures and conventions of academic scholarship
• to add to the body of knowledge within the field of architecture
• gain experience in the compilation, ordering and interpretation of research, and the development of clear arguments
• develop writing and presentational skills
• contribute to the development of research and advanced study within architecture and urban design

The MA Sustainability & Design is part of a new Masters structure that allows single and integrated programmes in Architecture, together with MSc Computing & Design, MSc Material Matters, MA Interpretation & Theories and MA Alternative Urbanisms.

Students are able to select up to two components from the other masters programmes, subject to approval of the relevant programme team. Details of the available components are found in the relevant Programme Specification and the Masters Programme Handbook.

Architecture students are also able to take part of the programme as a component of their Professional Diploma studies.

The integration of environmental design with architectural and urban design practice is of ever-increasing importance. Architects equipped with these skills are more and more in demand professionally in both the private and public sector.

The programme offers students a personal tutor, 1:1 tutorial support as well as support of small group working

Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a University requirement to engage formally in reflective practice, through a learning log or a professional development portfolio. This includes creating and maintaining a continuously updated CV, a review of progress in modules, review of assessment outcomes and feedback, a semester based action plan and an annual submission of the PDP

The University provides a comprehensive range of support services to students which include: residential/ student finance advice/ careers advise/ study skills development/ IT learning resources.

Full-time students will have the opportunity to participate in any suitable research activity the staff are pursuing in the field, acquiring practical skills and contributing to 'real world' work.

The programme’s location is in London, which has one of the most vibrant architectural cultures in the world: the programme staff are well connected in relation to London’s architectural institutions and personalities.